1 In the beginning was the Word,+ and the Word was with God,+ and the Word was a god.+

5 So now, Father, glorify me at your side with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.+

6 who, although he was existing in God’s form,+ did not even consider the idea of trying to be equal to God.+ 7 No, but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form+ and became human.*+

15 He is the image of the invisible God,+ the firstborn of all creation;+ 16 because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,+ whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him+ and for him. 17 Also, he is before all other things,+ and by means of him all other things were made to exist,